Mitochondria and the Kidneys
The kidneys are incredibly important and hard-working organs. Their main function is to filter the blood to remove waste products and excess fluid, while maintaining a crucial balance of salts, electrolytes, and water in the body.
To carry out these demanding tasks, kidney cells require an enormous amount of energy — and that’s where mitochondria come in.
The Role of Mitochondria in the Kidneys
Mitochondria are the “power plants” of cells, producing most of the energy a cell needs to function properly.
It’s no surprise that kidney cells, especially those in areas that filter and reabsorb the most, are packed with mitochondria.
Without constant and efficient energy production from mitochondria, the kidneys could not perform their functions.
They wouldn’t be able to pump ions, reabsorb vital nutrients, or filter blood effectively.
In short, healthy mitochondrial function is essential for maintaining kidney health.
What Happens When Mitochondria Fail?
When mitochondria do not function properly — whether due to genetic problems, oxidative stress, or inflammation — kidney cells experience an “energy crisis.”
This mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to a series of problems, triggering or worsening kidney disease.
Think of it as your home losing electricity: suddenly, the refrigerator, air conditioning, and lights stop working.
The same happens in the kidneys: without energy, cells cannot perform their tasks and, over time, can become damaged or even die.
This process contributes to inflammation and kidney fibrosis (the formation of scar tissue), which are hallmarks of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The Connection with Kidney Diseases
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): In CKD, mitochondrial respiratory machinery is dysregulated, increasing oxidative stress and contributing to cell death and fibrosis. This creates a vicious cycle: the disease damages mitochondria, and damaged mitochondria accelerate disease progression.
Genetic Mitochondrial Diseases: Rare disorders caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA or in nuclear genes affecting mitochondria. While uncommon, the kidneys are among the most affected organs because of their high energy demands. These diseases can manifest in different ways, including impaired nutrient reabsorption or even glomerular damage (to the small filters within the kidney).
Kidney Damage from Other Causes: Acute kidney injury or damage caused by other diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, are also strongly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. In these cases, stress on kidney cells interferes with mitochondrial function, worsening injury.
In Summary
Mitochondria are the engines of the kidneys. Their proper function is essential for kidney health, and any impairment can have serious consequences, contributing to the onset and progression of kidney disease.
For this reason, scientists are increasingly studying how to protect or enhance mitochondrial function to discover new treatments for these conditions.
Scientific Articles:
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Kidney Injury, Inflammation, and Disease: Potential Therapeutic Approaches
PMCID: PMC7530368 | PMID: 32868492Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress: Role in Chronic Kidney Disease
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121432Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The Silent Catalyst of Kidney Disease Progression
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14110794The Hallmarks of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease
DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.05.034Mitochondria-Targeting Therapeutic Strategies for Chronic Kidney Disease
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116669Mitochondrial Dysfunction and the AKI-to-CKD Transition
https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00285.2020Development of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Chronic Kidney Disease
https://doi.org/10.1177/1721727X241227349Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The Hidden Catalyst in Chronic Kidney Disease Progression
https://doi.org/10.1080/0886022X.2025.2506812